INC of IDF hosts India’s first cheese festival

INDIA – The Indian National Committee of the International Dairy Federation (INC of IDF) has successfully organized the First India Cheese Festival at Anand, Gujarat, under the guidance of the Department of Animal Husbandry & Dairying (DAHD), Government of India.

The event showcased India’s evolving cheese sector, bringing together 12 participants and 59 varieties of cheese from leading dairy cooperatives, startups, and artisanal cheesemakers.

Activities included cheese competitions, exhibitions, tasting sessions, panel discussions, and a technical seminar focused on innovation, quality, and market opportunities.

Dr. Meenesh Shah, Chairman of NDDB, said, “The cheese market in India is still emerging, but opportunities are vast. With greater innovation, collaboration, and a focus on quality, Indian cheese can capture a larger share of both domestic and global markets. Hosting the first-ever cheese festival at NDDB is a proud moment, and a step toward realizing this potential.”

The festival concluded with a valedictory function and prize distribution ceremony, celebrating excellence across diverse categories.

Notable winners included Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd. (Ripened Cheese), Indapur Dairy (Pune) and Mother Dairy (Unripened Cheese), and Vivanda Gourmet, which secured top honors in both the Innovative Cheese and Non-Cow Milk Cheese categories.

The indigenous cheese “Churpi” from Maltinagar, West Bengal received special recognition, while Corona Dairy’s Smoked Cheddar was lauded for its creativity and craftsmanship.

This initiative aligns with the Government’s vision to promote value addition, entrepreneurship, and export potential in the dairy sector.

The successful launch of the festival is not just a cultural milestone but also a signal of the growing appetite for cheese in India.

Urban consumption is rising, driven by changing lifestyles, exposure to global cuisines, and growth in quick-service restaurants and cafés.

Value-added dairy products, such as mozzarella, cheddar, and speciality artisanal cheeses, are experiencing increasing demand in both retail and HoReCa (hotel, restaurant, and catering) segments.

Market analysts project double-digit growth for India’s cheese segment, making it one of the fastest-growing categories in the value-added dairy industry.

The festival was inaugurated by Dr. Meenesh Shah, Chairman, NDDB, in the presence of distinguished dignitaries including Dr. R S Sodhi (Chairman, Indian Dairy Association), Dr. Dheer Singh (Director, NDRI Karnal), Sh. Rajeev (Executive Director, NDDB), Dr. Suneeta Pinto (Principal, SMC College of Dairy Science, Anand) and DAHD officials.

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